Dr Chris Papadopoulos, the Principal Lecturer in Public Health on the University of Bedfordshire, spoke solely to Express.co.uk after a reported rise in Covid circumstances within the UK.

"The recent increase in COVID-19 cases across the UK is driven by a number of factors," mentioned Dr Papadopoulos.

In addition to waning immunity, particularly among the many under-50s, folks's apprehension round Covid has considerably decreased.

Consequently, many protecting measures – comparable to sporting face masks, social distancing, and distant working – aren't adhered to by the vast majority of folks.

"Due to this summer's particularly rainy weather, we've also seen an increase in indoor gatherings, often in poorly ventilated areas," added Dr Papadopoulos.

"Additionally, the holiday season has brought about an increase in travel, both domestically and internationally, further contributing to the spread of the virus."

Dr Papadopoulos mentioned: "It's also very possible that the cost-of-living crisis has had an indirect impact.

"As folks face monetary hardships, they might be extra more likely to go to work even after they're feeling unwell, probably spreading the virus."

Dr Papadopoulos warned: "The risk of an extra surge in COVID-19 circumstances cannot be dominated out."

Factors such as the emergence of new variants, diminishing immunity, and the easing of protective measures contribute to this risk.

"Therefore, it is essential to take care of an in depth watch on the evolving state of affairs and regulate our methods accordingly and proactively."

Gabriela Brewer, based at London Covid Testing, outlined the symptoms of Covid to look out for.

"Right now, the commonest signs are feeling torpid, headache, muscle ache, blocked nostril and cough," said Brewer.

She too expects a rise in Covid cases as winter approaches, advising people who test positive for the virus to isolate for five days from infection.

Brewer said: "We don’t need them to contaminate others and the susceptible, primarily."

While Brewer recognised that Covid mutations can nonetheless happen, she assured: "Right now the variants are a lot weaker than initially."

Dr Papadopoulos added: "Even if case numbers had been to rise considerably, our capability to guard and deal with these most vulnerable to extreme illness has drastically improved."